Humanities

Head of Department: Ms R Kerfoot
Head of Geography: Mrs L Kelly

Context

The humanities department consists of History, Geography and Religious Education delivered by a team of 5 specialist teachers. The department is based in its own cluster of classrooms. We have a shared vision of developing every student to be highly aspirant global citizens who take an active role in their own learning, their school, their community and the world beyond. We want all students to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Curriculum

All students study History and Geography in years 7, 8 and 9. In the second half of year 9 all students must take either History or Geography at GCSE.

History: The curriculum is designed around the new 9-1 Edexcel specification by embedding the skills and knowledge students need to be successful for their GCSEs throughout each year. In years 7 and 8 students will learn the historical context underpinning much of their GCSE study and develop the skills that they need to excel. In years 9-11, students will analyse medicine in Britain over a period of 1000 years, study the early years of Elizabeth I’s reign, consider how Hitler was able to rise to power in 1930s Germany, and investigate the development of the Cold War in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Geography: In years 7, 8 and 9 students will cover topics designed to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the world around them and give them the foundational skills required for success at GCSE.  In years 9-11, students follow the OCR B specification for GCSE, which covers multifarious aspects of both human and physical Geography, including fieldwork and decision-making tasks. Students will have the opportunity to investigate features of the world, from rivers to rainforests as well as considering the impact of development and resource reliance on various types of society.

For curriculum guides for Humanities, please visit Curriculum Guides

Learning Journey

Assessment

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways. They will focus on specific exam questions in lessons, for which detailed feedback will be provided and sit end of unit tests, which will replicate the conditions they will face at GCSE. students will also be expected to revise for regular knowledge retrieval tests, which aim to embed key facts in order to facilitate more considered analysis.

Homework

Homework is designed to support and extend learning in school. A range of activities and enrichment opportunities will be offered, encompassing an array of structured and unstructured tasks. For example, students may be asked to complete specific questions, research a subject/person or design and build a model of a system/process. students are expected to visit places of interest in their own time to enhance their enthusiasm for each subject.

Afterschool Sessions

The department offers revision for year 11 students and targeted intervention to support students in all years.

Enrichment Opportunities

As a department we offer a range of exciting enrichment activities. Students can attend Eco-club to study environmental issues and improve the school grounds. Future trips may include London, the First World War battlefields, Berlin and Poland.